The Thanksgiving holiday is known as one of the busiest travel holidays because of the number of individuals who are attending family gatherings and preparing wonderful food for the family to enjoy. We all have the privilege to express our sincere thanks for the many blessings we have received throughout the year and much of that revolves around family, children, grandchildren and so many memorable moments. Even the chaos of it all can be incredibly fun.
What is a difficult realization around Thanksgiving is that there are many families in our community that are unable to afford purchasing the food that most of us take for granted. Some of the families we serve in Lakeside’s programs are in that position and are struggling to provide for their family for their everyday needs, must less a special holiday meal that requires a special celebration of a wonderful family gathering.
What is inspirational is to see all the generosity of individuals, foundations, community clubs and churches who are donating food to families who are in need. When Lakeside discovered that there were families in need who had students in our programs, we made their need known. Two organizations immediately responded and generously supplied meals and funding that will be distributed this holiday season. I want to thank the Rotary Club of Willow Grove, Pa. and the foundation associated with A3Media for their care and generosity as they have created the opportunity for families to enjoy food and other amenities that would not usually be available to them. What a true sense of serving others in need within our community.
For all those who read this blog I want to also say thanks for your interest and support for all that Lakeside is attempting to achieve as we provide clinical and educational services to thousands of youth as well as trauma training to organizations and professionals who are working diligently to help trauma-impacted children and families. Our mission is invaluable, and we sense more momentum than ever as we continue to grow our outreach and impact.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday where there will be a renewal of family gatherings with joy and much love. We know what it means to not have that privilege in the past few years so this can be a very special season of celebration!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO
